Without a doubt, one of South Africa’s brightest talents, Shimza whose real name is Ashley Raphala (29). Has made the transition from an aspirant industry young blood to leading light of the global afro house scene. At almost breakneck speed.
Locally, the Tembisa-born DJ heads up events such as ‘Kunye’, ‘U’R’, ‘Shimza’s One Man Show’ and ‘Shimza and Friends’.
Notably, his One Man Show has been running for fourteen years and hosts about 10 000 attendees.
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During lockdown, ‘Kunye’ began as a digital showcase for it as a record label. When restrictions were lifted, the event hosted about 50 people.
Having gained traction and with the need to keep up the momentum. It evolved into a festival amongst the many other things.
In its manifesto, U’R is an exclusive, invite-only party that started with an insatiable need to have an atmosphere where guests can just be, through music and dance.
Together with DJ PH, Shimza started ‘Lockdown House Party’ while the country was in quarantine. They saw a huge gap that DStv’s Channel O bought into.
When the country eventually went into lockdown, the show had already been created.
Shimza is also an entrepreneurial force, primarily creating the success of ‘The Hang Awt 1632’ in Tembisa, Ekurhuleni. Popularly known as a restaurant with a vibe.
“I am happy to be curating such big events of such a magnitude. Giving the best in production and performance is a movement that people gravitate towards,” said Shimza.
As with all his events, Shimza promises attendees will be excited and entertained as they get to experience yet another perfectly curated and foreseeable sold-out show at ‘Shimza at Sun Bet Arena’.
